Western New York’s premier BBQ competition, the Finger Lakes Fire and Smoke BBQ Festival & Competition will be held for the second time on Labor Day Weekend at the Geneva Lakefront Park and is produced by The Shortsville Smokers BBQ Team.

“The City is pleased that we have been chosen once again as the location for this event. Anyone who passes down Route 5 & 20 during that weekend will surely have their stomachs grumbling,” said Julie Coleman, Director of Marketing and Communications.

Combining a passion for BBQ and for education, the goal of the festival is to raise funds through BBQ for college scholarships in our community. Attendees will enjoy some spectacular BBQ and great music, all while supporting our local college students. Professional and backyard BBQ and grilling teams from across the United States and Canada will be competing for over $10,000 in prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights!

Organizer and Shortsville Smokers President Rikk Foringer is looking forward to another successful festival. “Last year, we were able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our scholarship winners, local students pursuing degrees in nursing. This year, we plan on assisting even more students, all while bringing some of the best BBQ in North America right here to the Finger Lakes.”

The Finger Lakes Fire and Smoke BBQ Festival will have a featured representative at the 2016 World Food Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama, according to Mike McCloud, CEO of the World Food Championships.

“More than 400 pre-qualified competitors will enter one of nine competition categories beginning Nov. 8, and the champion of the Finger Lakes Fire and Smoke BBQ Festival will be among them,” McCloud said.

The Finger Lakes Fire and Smoke BBQ Festival is sending a winner from its 2016 event to compete against the World Food Championships roster of Golden Ticket contestants. The Finger Lakes Fire and Smoke BBQ Festival has been elevated to Preferred Qualifier status by guaranteeing that its winner’s registration fees are paid and other assistance is provided to compete in Orange Beach.

“Stakes are high and the competition is intense with a total purse of $300,000 in cash and additional prizes, while the ultimate World Food Champion takes home a grand prize of $100,000,” McCloud said.

Competitors will prepare food on site in timed events that include preparation speed, specialty recipes, presentation and the ultimate test of taste. The categories this year include BBQ, Chili, Sandwich, Seafood, Bacon, Burger, Dessert, and Recipe, which has a theme of “Breakfast” in 2016.

“Tournament judges will select the top 10 finalists in each category, where they will then compete for the chance to go to the Final Table,” explained McCloud. “It is there that one culinary genius will rise up from nine category champions to become the 2016 World Food Champion.”

McCloud said that cooking is not the only opportunity for participation in the World Food Championships. Those interested in volunteering or in learning to become a certified WFC judge may sign up on the World Food Championships website.

“The World Food Championships offers opportunities for people to watch celebrity chef competitions, attend demonstrations, review at the latest cooking appliances and become part of a fun, family-friendly experience,” he observed, adding that there will be thousands of spectators, colorful teams, special judges and foodie volunteers in Orange Beach for the Nov. 8 – 15 event.